LSU fullback J.C. Copeland drawing early season praise

Baton Rouge -- Prior to the season, each member of the LSU football team laid out personal goals for the 2012 campaign. Just two games in, one Tiger is close to achieving what he thought would take an entire season to accomplish.

Junior fullback J.C. Copeland, a converted defensive lineman, notched two carries for no gain last season. When setting his goals for 2012, Copeland said he wanted to go for something realistic -- 50 yards rushing and a touchdown over the course of the season.

Two games, six rushes, 35 yards and two touchdowns later, Copeland said he's upping his goals for the year.

"I want to have at least 100 yards rushing, all together," Copeland said. "And I
really want to be the number one fullback in the country."

Listed at 6-foot-1, 280 pounds, it's no mystery where he got his nickname -- 'The Punisher' -- but Copeland said he still has work to do to live up to the weighty moniker.

"I
want to be feared by every linebacker in the country," Copeland said. "By the end of the game I want
them stepping out of the way and chasing me up the field."

Junior safety Eric Reid said he and his teammates know first-hand the physical tole Copeland takes on his opponents every time he lines up a defender.

"We know good and well what J.C. is capable of because we had to deal with him in camp," Reid said. "I'm just glad camp is over."

While not looking forward to ever having to tackle Copeland himself, Reid described what he thinks would be the most effective way to bring down the 280-pound wrecking ball.

"Probably a combination of pulling on his beard and jumping on his back until somebody can come and help you," Reid said.

While there's probably no line to volunteer to line up across from Copeland in practice, Reid said the team enjoys watching Copeland and a teammate face each other in the 'Big Cat' drill.

The drill pits two teammates against each other for a battle in the trenches for the whole team and coaching staff to see.

"Him and (junior linebacker) Kevin Minter is the biggest battle especially when we do 'Big Cat,'" Reid said. "When coach calls their names, we all get excited because those are two of the hardest hitters on our team."

LSU Coach Les Miles said Copeland is the complete package as a fullback because he can run, block and even catch when asked to.

When told of Miles' comment, Copeland didn't shy away from any of his duties.

"If they throw it to me out in the flat I'll get open," Copeland said. "Don't
let the size fool you, I can still run."